Lake Garda featured now in Windows 10 Spotlight

 Windsurfers on Lake Garda, Italy

Italy’s largest lake is so big and comparatively narrow that it creates its own unique wind patterns, drawing windsurfers from around the world. From its north shore, surrounded by mountains, Lake Garda stretches for 32 miles to the south where it reaches a wide plain. The change in topography means different temperatures at either end of the lake, resulting in powerful thermal winds. In the morning, winds form high in the mountains and flow toward the plain at the southern portion of the lake. Later in the day the patterns shift, and winds blow north back up the lake. These various air streams are so regular, and so renowned, they have their own names. And they have some dedicated fans, too, judging by these windsurfers.

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